Opposition Movement Calls for Referendum on Rasmalé Development, Plans November 6 Rally

A Maldivian opposition movement, 'Divehige Bin Dhivehige' (Land of Maldivians for Maldivians), has called for a public referendum on the government's planned 'Maldives Waterfront and Marina' project on Rasmalé. At a press conference on Sunday, the movement announced a large public meeting on Friday, November 6, to demand that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's government halt the agreement and consult the people via a secret ballot before proceeding. Former Home Minister Imran Abdullah, a senior figure in the movement, said the project – which involves leasing large portions of Rasmalé to UAE-based Eagle Hills – threatens the nation's sovereignty and independence. 'If this is allowed to proceed as planned, Maldivians may find themselves feeling enslaved within a short time, be it days or years,' he warned. Ali Hussain, a lawyer and parliamentarian for Kendhoo constituency, also speaking at the press conference, stressed that the Constitution requires a referendum before any territorial changes or land sales to foreigners. 'The land of Maldivians cannot be sold to foreigners without consulting the people through a visible or invisible vote,' he said. Ali Hussain also called on the President to postpone signing the final agreement, which Eagle Hills Chairman Mohamed Alabbar has said he hopes to sign on Republic Day, November 11. The movement called on Parliament and the Supreme Court to intervene and demand a referendum on the project.